World champion Patrick Chan to teach young skaters in Truro

Truro News

Published: Apr 17 at 6:36 p.m.

Updated: Apr 18 at 8:59 a.m.

Patrick Chan, the most decorated male figure skater in Canadian history, will be in town on Saturday for the Truro Figure Skating Club’s third annual Skate With a Champion program. Chan will guide 86 young skaters during an intensive one-day session at the stadium. Skate Canada photo - Submitted

TRURO, N.S. – Local figure skaters will receive instruction from one of the best in the world during a seminar on Saturday at the Colchester Legion Stadium.

Patrick Chan, an Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion, will be in Truro to work with 86 of the region’s developing skaters as part of the Truro Skate With a Champion event.

“Truro Skate with a Champion gives our skaters a world-class training experience,” said Paul Morris, president of Truro Figure Skating Club, which will host the event for a third straight year. “Our numbers have been growing each year, proof that developing skaters need this kind of opportunity in their backyard.”

Chan influenced an entire generation of skaters, both in Canada and abroad. He is known for his exceptionally high-quality edge work and his charismatic nature. He dominated the sport for three years after adding a quad jump to his long list of skills.

Chan, who has won a record 10 national championships, is passionate about developing young skaters across the country.

“Developing skaters is absolutely about the skills and capacities that are measured on the ice,” said Chan. “But it’s also about developing the mental and emotional fitness. And a big part of that is making sure they know how to stay happy and in love with the sport.”

Saturday’s event features both on-ice and off-ice training sessions with Chan that focus on rounding out the athletes. The mental fitness session is being led by sports psychologist Dr. Lori Dithurbide, who is also the lead mental performance consultant at Canadian Sports Centre Atlantic.

Lisa McNutt, a former competitive skater, certified coach and yoga instructor, will lead warm-up and cool-down sessions, while a dance and choreography session hosted by former international competitive dancer, Olivia Shive, is also planned.

Truro Skate with a Champion has previously been headlined by Olympic silver medallist Elizabeth Manley, and Nam Nguyen, 2014 world junior champion and 2015 Canadian champion.